Nicoletta Lanese is the health channel editor at Live Science and was previously a news editor and staff writer at the site. She is a recipient of the 2026 AHCJ International Health Study Fellowship, with a project focused on antibiotic stewardship practices in Japan and the U.S. They hold a graduate certificate in science communication from UC Santa Cruz and degrees in neuroscience and dance from the University of Florida. Beyond Live Science, Lanese's work has appeared in The Scientist, Science News, the Mercury News, Mongabay and Stanford Medicine Magazine, among other outlets. Based in NYC, she also remains involved in dance and performs in local choreographers' work.
-
New York resident dies of eastern equine encephalitis — what is it?Recent cases of a viral illness nicknamed "triple E" have occurred in New England. Here's what you should know about the disease.
By Nicoletta Lanese Last updated
viruses-infections-disease -
Men have a daily hormone cycle — and it's synced to their brains shrinking from morning to nightA month-long study of a man's brain revealed that its volume consistently shrunk over the course of each day and then reset overnight.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
neuroscience -
Scientist who discovered body's 'fire alarm' against invading bacteria wins $250,000 Lasker prizeOne of this year's coveted Lasker Awards has gone to Zhijian "James" Chen, a scientist behind a key immune-system discovery.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
immune-system -
'What is normal today may not be normal in a year's time': Dr. Dinesh Bhugra on the idea of 'normal' in psychiatryLive Science spoke with leading psychiatrist Dr. Dinesh Bhugra ahead of his appearance at the HowTheLightGetsIn festival in London.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
psychology -
Pregnancy shrinks parts of the brain, leaving 'permanent etchings' postpartumA study tracks how the structure of the brain changes during pregnancy, drawing on brain scans gathered before, during and just after one person's pregnancy.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
neuroscience -
New tick-borne virus discovered in China can affect the brain, scientists reportScientists present evidence of a newly discovered tick-borne virus that can infect humans and potentially invade the brain, in some cases.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
viruses-infections-disease -
'Enhancing' future generations with CRISPR is a road to a 'new eugenics,' says ethicist Rosemarie Garland-Thomson"Eugenics seeks to improve by eliminating the characteristics considered at a particular time and place to be disadvantages and to maximize those considered normal."
By Rosemarie Garland-Thomson Published
genetics -
'Who are we to say they shouldn't exist?': Dr. Neal Baer on the threat of CRISPR-driven eugenicsDr. Neal Baer discusses a new book about the incredible promise and potential pitfalls of CRISPR gene-editing technology.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
genetics -
Sweden reports 1st case of deadlier mpox outside AfricaFollowing the WHO's declaration that the mpox outbreak in Africa is a global health emergency, Sweden reported its first case of a deadlier clade of the virus.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
viruses-infections-disease -
CRISPR could be used to treat UTIs, early trial hintsScientists are testing a "genetically enhanced bacteriophage cocktail" as a treatment for urinary tract infections.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
medicine-drugs -
WHO declares mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergencyThe World Health Organization says the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa requires a coordinated international effort to subdue.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
viruses-infections-disease -
'Sloth virus' reported in Europe for 1st time — but what is it?The Oropouche virus, which some media outlets are calling a "sloth virus," has been seen in European travelers returning home from the Americas.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
americas -
FDA approves 1st needle-free alternative to EpiPensThere's now an option to treat anaphylaxis via a nasal spray, rather than with an auto-injected medication.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
medicine-drugs -
Probiotic supplement caused man's fatal infection in rare caseIn very rare instances, the live microorganisms in probiotics can cause dangerous infections.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
bacterial-fungal -
Cannabis use linked to head and neck cancer riskA new study that looked at 20 years of medical data from millions of people found a link between cannabis use and specific cancers.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
medicine-drugs -
'Breaking,' aka breakdancing, is in the Olympics for the 1st time — here's the brain science behind itHere's the brain science of breaking, the dance style making its Olympic debut in Paris.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
neuroscience -
Valley fever risk may be high this year, California officials warn in wake of music festival outbreakCalifornia officials are investigating cases of valley fever tied to a recent music festival.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
bacterial-fungal -
WHO may declare new, deadlier mpox outbreak an international emergencyThe World Health Organization will soon convene a committee to decide if the ongoing mpox outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern."
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
viruses-infections-disease -
Who should get the new RSV vaccines? Here's everything you need to knowThere are now RSV vaccines approved for older adults and for pregnant people, and antibody shots (not vaccines) available for babies. What's the difference?
By Nicoletta Lanese Last updated
medicine-drugs -
CDC issues new guidelines for RSV vaccines, citing side-effect concernsThe CDC has clarified and narrowed its recommendations for which older adults should get an RSV vaccine.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
medicine-drugs -
Dangerous strains of 'hypervirulent' superbug detected in US and 15 other countriesA drug-resistant bacterium that causes severe infections has been spreading globally, and it's now in at least 16 countries, the WHO warns.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
bacterial-fungal -
Olympic athletes dive into the Seine — days after it was deemed too contaminated with poop for safe swimmingOlympic triathlon racers finally dove into the Seine following postponements due to poor water-quality test results. Will the water stay swimmable?
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
bacterial-fungal -
Genetically engineered 'mind control' parasite could deliver drugs to the brainScientists are developing an engineered parasite to get drugs into the brain.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
medicine-drugs -
New blood test for colorectal cancer approved by FDAScientists hope a new blood test for colorectal cancer could improve screening rates.
By Nicoletta Lanese Published
cancer

